Gustavus Weston on track for Betfair Sprint Cup Gustavus Weston is reported in good form ahead of a crack at Group 1 glory in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock in a fortnight. Fethard trainer Joe Murphy is enjoying his best ever season with Gustavus Weston the stable flagbearer having landed the Group 2 Weatherbys Ireland Greenland Stakes and again impressed over six furlongs at the Curragh last time in the Rathasker Stud Phoenix Sprint Stakes. Murphy’s son and assistant Joe junior said, “The plan is still the Sprint Cup at Haydock and maybe if he comes out of it well he can come back for the Flying Five (at the Curragh) if the ground is on the easy side. “He’s come out of his last run well and we’re very happy with him. “I think he’s the joint highest rated sprinter in the country now. Hopefully we can keep him there and maybe go a bit higher.” The gelded son of Equiano made all under regular partner Gary Carroll in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes taking control from over a furlong out and Murphy added, “I think Gary rode a very canny race on the day. He built it up nicely from three out and if you can do that from the front end it pays dividends. “He’s only five and is still maturing into himself so you would be hoping to have another couple of good seasons with him” Gustavus Weston is currently a 12/1 chance with the sponsors for the Betfair Sprint Cup. Dark Design’s victory at Killarney on Thursday put Murphy on the 18 winner mark for the current campaign.
